Finance and Administration Manager – Gabon Full Time NEW

About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES’ approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces, and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice, and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture. 

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pays, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High-Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork, and Collaboration.  

This position is pending approval and contingent on securing funding.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE: 

 The Finance and Administration Manager shall provide financial and administrative services and assistance in support of the IFES- Gabon program.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead all project finance (staff payroll, taxes, social benefits, leaves) and operations
• Lead the general administrative process, financial management, procurement, accounting, and logistics.
• Establish and maintain sound and transparent accounting and fiscal control procedures;
• Ensure compliance of financial and operations systems with IFES policies and procedures, USAID rules and regulations, and Government of Gabon laws;
• Develop, analyze, and monitor program budgets;
• Monitor and track wire transfer requests and expenditures against budgets and support budget realignments as needed;
• Manage and supervise field office procurement and expenditures, ensuring that they comply with IFES policies and donor regulations;
• Liaise between IFES’ headquarters and Gabon field office on financial and procurement matters;
• Regularly analyze and forecast project expenses;
• Advise senior leadership on financial and operations-related matters;
• Support preparations of annual and quarterly financial and accrual reports for donors;
• Contribute to the development of high-quality work plans, quarterly and annual reports, financial reports, and any other reports required by USAID;
• Liaise with internal and external auditors in the review of project financial management;
• Supervise and train other project based administrative, finance, and procurement staff; and
• Other duties as assigned

SKILLS and SPECIFICATIONS

• The ability to remain highly organized while handling multiple tasks under tight deadlines

• Ability to complete tasks with limited supervision
• Business awareness and numerical ability
• Must possess solid communication and presentation skills
• Willingness to adhere to all principles of confidentiality
• Must value operating in a collaborative and cooperative environment
• Ability to show initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness
• Conduct himself/herself with integrity and function ethically
• Ability to manage staff and work with senior management

Education and Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related required; Masters degree preferred;
• Minimum of ten years of experience working with international NGOs, or combination of education and experience;
• Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations on financial management and procurement is required;
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), budgeting and fiscal control principles;
• Ability to maintain and apply strong internal controls for finance and procurement processes;
• Knowledge of Gabon tax filing and human resources
• Demonstrated experience with developing and managing budgets;
• Ability to work under pressure and comply with strict deadlines
• Relevant skills in automated accounting software systems and database spreadsheets;
• Experience training and mentoring finance and operations staff;
• Experience with financial management of projects that utilize rapid resource mobilization;
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relations with international donor agencies, electoral management bodies, and government stakeholders;
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, depth and breadth of financial management expertise;
• Relevant computer software skills and familiarity with accounting software (including at a minimum, the standard application in MS office);
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience establishing and maintaining good relationships with a wide variety of professionals and organizations; and
• Experience using and training other staff on QuickBooks or equivalent accounting software.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Fluency in written and spoken French and English is required.

TRAVEL:  Travel may be required; up to 10%.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard office work environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.